What is eosinophilic granuloma complex?
Given the above information it would seem logical that an eosinophilic granuloma would be a granuloma made up of eosinophils; however, the situation is more complicated. Initially, it appeared that eosinophilic granuloma was just what it sounds like but as it was studied more thoroughly, it was found that there were three different types of this condition and not all were granulomas and not all involved eosinophils. There are three separate skin conditions making up the Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex and a cat may have any or all of them. These three conditions are called: Ø indolent ulcer Ø eosinophilic plaque Ø eosinophilic granuloma These conditions are felt to have an underlying allergic basis though it is not always possible to determine what that allergic basis might be. Indolent Ulcer (also called “the rodent ulcer”) Cats with indolent ulcers have an erosion on the margin of their upper lip. Sometimes, a proliferative eroded structure also develops on the tongue so if your cat h
The eosinophilic granuloma complex represents a disorder of eosinophil function. The eosinophils real job is to attack parasites. It is designed to be attracted to areas where parasitism is occurring and once there it releases special biochemicals to destroy the parasites. In cats with eosinophilic granuloma complex, eosinophils are called to the site of an allergic response and the biochemicals released cause damage to local collagen. The eosinophilic granuloma is an incompletely understood condition. For now it is best to view it as an extreme symptom of allergic skin disease. The cause of EGC is unknown; however, an underlying hypersensitivity such as a food allergy, atopy, or insect allergy (particularly to fleas and mosquitoes) often has been associated with these lesions. There are no breed predilections to EGC, but females may be predisposed to development of lesions. Young to middle-age cats usually are affected (average age 3.5 years). There are three separate skin conditions
Eosinophilic granuloma syndrome is a term used to describe a group of skin conditions in cats which although looking quite different have a similar cause. You might be more familiar with the condition under one of its other names: Indolent ulcer or ‘rodent ulcer’: this is an ulceration on the lip – in most cases affecting the top lip. There is no pain or itching associated with the lesion but the ulcers can look quite dramatic. Eosinophilic plaque: is a thickened ‘raw’ looking patch of skin. These areas are usually very itchy and your cat may scratch and lick at it constantly. Often the area is wet as the damaged skin oozes a sticky serum. These can be found anywhere on the skin or lips but most often on the abdomen and hind legs. These may become very extensive (up to 7 cm in diameter). Eosinophilic granuloma or linear granuloma: these are thickened patches of skin which may be in strips or lumps and can be found anywhere on the skin or in the mouth. Sometimes these are associated wit
I’m building a resource page on this disease as it affects cats, and need your help. If you have any experience with this disease, or know of any resources on the subject, please let us know in the comments. Thanks! This disease is actually a group of skin conditions referred to as EGC, with various suspected causes. There are some discrepancies in the information I’ve found, including causes, types and names. Below are some highlights of what I have found so far. The Merck Veterinary Manual mentions three types: Eosinophilic ulcer Eosinophilic plaque Eosinophilic granuloma Wikipedia refers to: Lip ulcer Eosinophilic plaque Collagenolytic granuloma (called linear granuloma when it forms linear flat-topped raised hairless lesions on the back of the hind legs) Wikipedia also mentions a fourth type, the least common type, which is caused by a mosquito bite allergy. Called atypical eosinophilic dermatitis, the lesions usually appear on areas with less hair, such as the bridge of the nose,
